Everyone Should Swim with Sharks at Least Once

The crystal-clear waters of Hawaiʻi are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, insane waves, and vibrant marine life. But not for their sharks? For many, the thought of swimming with these apex predators evokes a sense of fear. However, for those who dare to venture into their realm, it’s an experience that reshapes their understanding and respect for these magnificent creatures.

For the second time in my life, I had the profound privilege of swimming with sharks under the guidance of local Ocean Ramsey, one of the world’s foremost shark experts. This experience was not just a thrilling adventure, but an eye-opening journey into the world of sharks, highlighting the importance of understanding and protecting these misunderstood animals.

Ocean Ramsey: The Shark Whisperer

Ocean Ramsey’s name is synonymous with shark conservation and education. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, Ramsey has always been connected to the ocean, developing a deep affinity for its inhabitants from a young age. Over the years, she’s spent thousands of hours in the water, swimming alongside sharks, studying their behaviour, and advocating for their protection.

Ramsey’s approach to sharks isn’t driven by thrill-seeking, but by a genuine desire to understand and protect them. Her expertise and intimate knowledge of shark behaviour have made her a leading voice in marine conservation. Through her organisation, One Ocean Diving, Ramsey conducts shark diving tours, research, and educational programs to debunk the myths surrounding sharks and promote their conservation.

The Cultural Importance of the Ocean to Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi’s relationship with the ocean is deeply ingrained in its culture and history. The ocean, or kai in Hawaiian, isn’t merely a body of water but a source of life, sustenance, and spiritual connection. Traditional Hawaiian culture holds the ocean in high esteem, viewing it as an integral part of the ecosystem and a provider for the community. This respect extends to all marine life, including manō/sharks.

Sharks are special in Hawaiian culture, often seen as guardians and symbols of familial spirits. The concept of ‘ohana/family extends to include these creatures, reflecting a deep sense of respect and interconnectedness. Ocean Ramsey encapsulates this cultural perspective in her work, describing her relationship with sharks as ‘ohana. She sees no distinction between the time spent with sharks and the time spent with her human family, highlighting a profound bond that transcends species.

Ramsey eloquently captures this sentiment:

The Misunderstood Predators

Sharks have long been portrayed as mindless killers in popular culture, a misconception that has fueled fear and misunderstanding. However, swimming with sharks under the guidance of experts like Ocean Ramsey reveals a very different reality. Sharks aren’t the bloodthirsty creatures they’re often made out to be; they’re intelligent and curious and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.

The fear of sharks is largely unfounded. Statistically, shark attacks on humans are exceedingly rare.

Yet, this fear has led to the indiscriminate killing of sharks, contributing to the decline of many species. Educating the public about the true nature of sharks is vital for their conservation.

Ocean was incredibly passionate about educating our team on sharks, emphasising that this was just as important as our dive.

A Journey of Respect and Understanding

Swimming with sharks in Hawaiʻi was an experience that profoundly changed my perspective the first time. Coming back nine years later, felt just as powerful. Guided by Ocean Ramsey, I entered the water with a mix of excitement and apprehension. As we descended into the ocean, the initial fear began to dissipate, replaced by awe and admiration for these majestic creatures. Ocean gave me pointers to keep me calm, in what was at times a daunting experience.

She emphasised the importance of respecting the sharks’ space and movements, teaching us how to read their body language.

It was one of the most beautiful things in the world, seeing someone who’s incredibly passionate about something in their genius zone.

The sharks we encountered were curious but not aggressive. They moved gracefully through the water, occasionally approaching us with inquisitive eyes. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of such powerful animals and to realise that they had no intention of harming us. This firsthand experience underscored the importance of dispelling the myths that have long demonised sharks.

Can You Love the Ocean Without Loving Sharks?

Sharks are vital to the health of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate the populations of other marine species, maintaining a balance that ensures the ocean’s diversity and productivity. The decline of shark populations due to overfishing, bycatch, and finning has far-reaching consequences, disrupting marine food webs and leading to the degradation of ocean health.

Ocean Ramsey underscores the critical role sharks play, stating, ‘I think the most important thing that people can realise is that all life does rely on the ocean. And sharks are a keystone species, an absolutely vital component to help the ocean. And that has major implications for future generations. So even if you don’t care about sharks, if you care about future generations, you need to protect sharks.’

Conservation efforts are crucial to protect sharks and, by extension, the marine environments they inhabit. Organisations like One Ocean Diving are at the forefront of these efforts, using research, education, and advocacy to promote shark conservation. By educating the public and encouraging direct encounters with sharks, they aim to change perceptions and foster a deeper appreciation for these animals.

The Least You Can Do

Ocean Ramsey emphasises that the first step in shark conservation is education and awareness. ‘It starts with education and awareness, which is why media is so important. Because if people don’t know that there’s an issue, they’re not going to do anything about it’, she says. Here are several ways you can get involved:

1. Educate yourself and others: Learn about sharks and their role in marine ecosystems. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community
2. Make sustainable choices: Reduce your impact on marine life by making sustainable consumer choices. Avoid products derived from sharks, such as shark fin soup, shark cartilage supplements, and cosmetics containing shark oil
3. Support conservation efforts: Participate in or donate to organisations dedicated to shark conservation. One Ocean Diving offers opportunities to get involved through educational programs and research initiatives
4. Advocate for policy change: Use your voice to advocate for stronger protections for sharks. Ramsey suggests sending pre-drafted letters available on the One Ocean Diving website to businesses and policymakers, urging them to stop selling or using shark-derived products
5. Reduce seafood consumption: One of the most impactful actions you can take is to reduce or eliminate seafood consumption. Industrial fishing practices often result in significant bycatch, including sharks. By choosing a plant-based diet, you can help reduce the demand for these practices

Go on, Jump in that Hawaiʻian Water

There are few experiences in life that you remember so vividly. Diving with sharks is one of them. With every ounce of my being, I encourage you to take the plunge and join local Ocean Ramsey. Your heart and mind will explode with astonishment when your eyes dip below the surface to see the sharks gracefully circling below in rich royal blue ocean water. An immersive experience of this intensity, paired with the knowledge of Ocean and her team, is a rarity in the world nowadays.

Ocean Ramsey’s work serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and passion can drive meaningful change. By developing a respect for sharks, we take a crucial step towards ensuring their conservation and the health of our oceans for future generations.

As Ocean Ramsey puts it, ‘My biggest goal and my purpose for being alive is to help people coexist with sharks in the hopes that I can save human lives and sharks’ lives. Because if an accident happens, I know a lot of people sort of take a step back on protecting sharks because they just see or think that they’re monsters. But the reality is that they are acts of nature.’

This perspective is essential as we move towards a future where humans and sharks can coexist peacefully and sustainably.

Photography by @etchd